Probation officer fired following theft charge

The Department of Correction has fired an East Tennessee probation officer following his arrest last Wednesday for theft.

State investigators said Officer Joshua Keith DeBord misused money paid by offenders under his supervision. He's accused of taking cash from parolees, who thought they were paying court ordered fines and fees. DeBord allegedly kept this money for his personal use.

Authorities arrested and booked DeBoard into the Sevier County Jail on Jan. 16.

Investigators are not saying how much money is missing, only that he's charged with theft over $500.

The Department of Correction will soon launch an automated fee payment system. Officials hope this new system will prevent this type of theft. Starting in June, offenders on probation or parole will be able to pay their court order fines, fees or restitution online instead of handing over money orders and cash in person.

Commissioner Schofield said, "As part of the top to bottom review of our agency, we determined an automated system would increase efficiency and free up our probation/parole officers to spend more time in the community supervising offenders."

Previous story published 1/16/13:

An East Tennessee probation officer is off the job. He's accused of taking cash from parolees who thought they were paying the state.